PYRIDAZIN-3(2H)-ONE DERIVATIVES AS MONOAMINE OXIDASE SELECTIVE ISOFORM B INHIBITORS (As Amended)

ABSTRACT

The present invention refers to pyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives of general structure I, II and III, which are selective MAO-B inhibitors, and to the use thereof for preparing medicaments intended to treat disorders derived from MAO-B hyperactivity, particularly degenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Parkinson&#39;s disease (PD), Alzheimer&#39;s disease (AD) and other dementias. These are pyridazin-3(2H)-one derivatives having dithiocarbamate moieties bonded to position 4, 5 or 6 through an alkyl chain of variable length (n=1, 2, 3). This invention is also directed to the preparation of said compounds.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present invention refers to novel C4-, C5- or C6-substituted pyridazinone derivative compounds having a dithiocarbamate moiety, and of general structure I, II and III, respectively, which are selective MAO-B inhibitors, and to the use thereof for preparing medicaments intended to treat disorders derived from MAO-B hyperactivity, particularly degenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias.

These are pyridazin-3(2H)-one having dithiocarbamate moieties bonded to position 4, 5 or 6 through an alkyl chain of variable length. The general structural formulae of the 3 series of compounds, structures I, II and III, are detailed below.

State of the Art

The monoamine oxidases (MAO) are flavoenzymes being present in the outer membrane of CNS cells and peripheral tissue mitochondria, wherein they catalyse the oxidative deamination of endogenous or exogenous amines so as to generate the corresponding aldehydes, ammonia and H₂O₂. Two MAO isoenzymes are known, designated as MAO-A and MAO-B, which share approximately 70% of the amino acid sequence and which are differentiated by the three dimensional structure thereof, by the substrate selectivity and by the existence of selective inhibitors (Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 105, 5739-5744, 2008; J. Biol. Chem. 280(16), 15761-15766, 2005). Both isoenzymes play an important role in the regulation of biogenic amines concentration in the brain; this fact, together with the substrate selectivity, determines the clinical importance of the MAO inhibitors (MAOIs). Thus, the MAO-A shows higher affinity for serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine, 5-HT), adrenaline (A) and noradrenaline (NA), and it is selectively inhibited by clorgiline and moclobemide, whereas MAO-B preferably degrades 3-phenylethylamine and benzylamine and it is selectively inhibited by selegiline and rasagiline. There are some MAOIs which feature lack of selectivity, such as iproniazid.

The structure of the MAOI compounds cited above is detailed in FIG. 1.

Functional studies about both enzymes have revealed that MAOs play an important role in the regulation of biogenic amines concentration in the brain, which are involved in different pathological processes affecting the CNS, which determines the clinical importance of MAOIs (Curr. Med, Chem. 11, 2033-2043, 2004). MAO-A inhibition in the CNS enhances noradrenaline and serotonin levels, two neurotransmitters involved in depressive disorders, whereas MAO-B inhibition increase dopamine levels, which in PD are reduced, which explains that MAOI-A are used as antidepressants and anxiolytics, and MOIs-B for EP treatment.

The AD is a progressive neurodegenerative disease which is the most habitual type of senile dementia. Although the aetiology thereof is multiple and complex, it is associated to β-amyloid plaques (βA) in the brain, which can promote the loss of cholinergic neurons in the cerebral cortex and in the hippocampus, which explains the cognitive deficiency and memory loss manifesting in the short term in patients undergoing AD (Velázquez Farmacología Básica y Clínica 17 ed. Panamericana: Madrid 2005, 329-335). Therefore, traditional pharmacological treatment of AD involves administration of acetylcholinesterase inhibitors (Rang y Dale Farmacologia 6 ^(a) ed. Elsevier: Barcelona 2008, 515-516), an enzyme which degrades acetylcholine. However, studies have been done which evidence an increasing activity of MAO-B in the brain of patients undergoing certain neurodegenerative disorders such as, for example, PD or AD (Biochem. Pharmacol. 38, 555-561, 1989) and new therapeutic expectations have arisen. MAO-B activity increase originates an increase in the reactive oxygen species (ROS) which contribute to oxidative stress and neuron death. Although more studies are required for clarifying the beneficial effects of MAOI-B in neurodegenerative processes such as AD, said effects are related to ROS reduction, which is neurotoxic, and with monoamines increase in the brain of these patients (Neurotoxicology 25, 271-277, 2004; Journal of Neuroscience Research 79, 172-179, 2005).

Currently, the main therapeutic application of MAOI-B is in PD treatment (Translational Neurodegeneration 1:10, 2012; Translational Neurodegeneration 2:19, 2013), a neurological disorder which affects motor activity and results from a decrease in striatum dopamine levels, caused by progressive death of nigrostriatal neurons. Although the classical treatment of the PD have been administration of L-dopa (precursor of dopamine) associated to an inhibitor of peripheral dopa decarboxylase enzyme, more recent therapeutic alternatives involve administration of catechol ortho-methyl transferase inhibitors (COMT), such as entacapone, and also MAOI-B selective inhibitors, such as selegiline and rasagiline (Translational Neurodegeneration 1:10, 2012).

There are several articles and patents describing compounds which act as selective inhibitors of MAO-B and applications thereof in neurodegenerative disorders, such as for example derivatives of coumarin (ES 2343347; J. Med. Chem. 54, 7127-7131, 2011) (compound 1, FIG. 2), γ-chromones (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 20, 2709-2712, 2010; Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 21, 707-709, 2011) (compound 2, FIG. 2), pyrazolines and other diazaheterocycle derivatives (J. Med. Chem. 48, 7113-7122, 2005; Bioorg. Med Chem. Lett 20, 6479-6482, 2010; J. Med. Chem. 49, 3743-3747, 2006; J. Med Chem. 50, 5364-5371, 2007) (compounds 3 and 4, FIG. 2), thiazolyl-hydrazines (J. Med. Chem. 53, 6516-6520, 2010; Arch. Pharm. Chem. Life Sci. 346, 17-22, 2013) (compound 5, FIG. 2), dithiolane-thiones (WO2006/089861) (compound 6, FIG. 2), and amines or amides derived from heterocyclic systems (EP 1524267; WO 2004/007429; EP1524265, J. Med. Chem. 50, 922-931, 2007) (compounds 7 and 8, FIG. 2).

FIG. 2 shows a detailed structure of several compounds having MAOI-B activity.

Pyridazine is a diazine which is rare in natural products. However, this heteronucleus is part of a small group of structures known as privileged, due to the capacity thereof of generating compounds being active against several targets, (Med. Chem. Comun. 2, 935-941, 2011). Pyridazine derivatives have a wide spectrum of pharmacological activity (cardiotonic, anti-hypertensive, platelet antiaggregate, hypolipidemic, analgesic and anti-inflammatory, antinociceptive, anti-depressant, anxiolytic, GABA antagonist, hypoglycaemic, anti-infectious or antineoplastic, among others), and many of them are analogues to the structure of 3(2H)-pyridazinone (Progress in Medicinal Chemistry, Elsevier Science Publishers Biomedical Division: Amsterdam 1990, 1-49; Progress in Medicinal Chemistry, Elsevier Science Publishers Biomedical Division: Amsterdam 1992, 141-183; Med. Chem. Res 22, 2539-2552, 2013).

The pyridazine ring is present in compounds acting as MAO-B selective inhibitors; these are condensed polycyclic systems (J. Med. Chem. 49, 3743-3747, 2006; J. Med Chem. 50, 5364-5371, 2007; J. Med. Chem. 49, 6264-6272, 2007) (compound 4, FIG. 2). Furthermore, there are articles and patents referring to simple pyridazine derivatives which act upon other therapeutic targets being efficient in neurodegenerative disorders, such as, for example, agonists of GABA_(A) receptor (WO 2012/068161; WO 2010/127968) (compound 9, FIG. 3), agonists of the cannabinoid receptor CB2 (WO 2011/097553) (compound 10, FIG. 3), activators of glutamate transporter protein (WO 2013/019938) (compound 11, FIG. 3), modulators of γ-secretase (Med. Chem. Lett. 1, 184-187, 2010; Bioorg. Med Chem. Lett. 21, 4016-4019, 2011) (compound 12, FIG. 3), or inhibitors of tau protein oligomerization (Biochemistry, 48, 7732-7745, 2009) (compound 13, FIG. 3), some of which are 3-(2H)-pyridazinone (compounds 10, 12 and 13).

However, 3-(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives which act as selective MAOI-B are not known.

The compounds of the present invention lack of structural relationship with those described so far, and behaved as selective inhibitors against MAO-B. These are novel 3-(2H)-pyridazinone derivatives substituted in positions 4, 5 or 6 with dithiocarbamate moieties, bonded to said positions through an alkyl chain of variable length, which selectively inhibit MAO-B activity when the bioactivity thereof is assayed in vitro.

DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The present invention refers to novel C4-, C5- or C6-substituted pyridazinone derivative compounds having dithiocarbamate moieties, and of general structure I, II and III, respectively, which are selective MAO-B inhibitors in vitro, and to the possible use thereof for preparing medicaments intended to treat disorders derived from MAO-B hyperactivity, particularly degenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias.

These are pyridazin-3(2H)-one having dithiocarbamate moieties bonded to position 6 through an alkyl chain of variable length and of the general formula I.

wherein,

-   -   n is an integer number selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8;     -   R is a group selected from: a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl         group, a C₁-C₆ carboxyalkyl group, a C₁-C₆ haloalkyl group, a         C₆-C₁₂ aryl group, a C₆-C₁₂ aralkyl group, a C₄-C₁₂ heteroaryl         group;     -   R¹ is a group selected from: a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl         group, a halogen atom,     -   R² is a group selected from: a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl         group, a halogen atom,     -   R³, R⁴, being the same or different, are selected from: a         hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, saturated C₁-C₆         heterocycloalkyl group, a C₆-C₁₂ aryl group, a C₆-C₁₂ aralkyl         group, a C₄-C₁₂ heteroaryl group,     -   Or R³ and R⁴ form a cycle selected from: C₅-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₈         heterocycloalkyl, N-alkyl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl,         N-aryl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl, N-cycloalkyl         substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl, N-aralkyl substituted C₅-C₈         heterocycloalkyl, N-acyl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl.

And preferably

-   -   R is CH₃, phenyl (Ph) or benzyl (Bn).     -   R¹ is H, halogen (Cl, Br, I) or an alkyl chain     -   R² is hydrogen (H) or methyl (CH₃).     -   n is optionally 1, 2 or 3.     -   R³ and R⁴ may be hydrogen, alkyl groups being the same or         different, such as methyl (CH₃) or ethyl (CH₂CH₃), or, together         with the nitrogen atom (N), they may constitute a 5 or 6         membered heterocyclic ring, being aliphatic or incorporating an         oxygen atom (O) or a second N atom. This second N atom may be         substituted with a linear (CH₃, CH₂CH₃) or cyclic (cyclopropyl)         alkyl group, or with an aryl group (Ph), aralkyl (Bn) or aroyl         (benzoyl, Bz).

In a particular aspect, the compounds of the general formula I are represented by the formulae Ia₁-a₃₃ (table I), Ib₁-b₃₃ (table II), Ic₁-c₃₃ (table III) and Id₁-d₃₃ (table IV), wherein R¹ is preferably H.

TABLE I Ia

n = 1 n = 2 n = 3 —N(CH₃)₂ Ia₁ Ia₁₂ Ia₂₃ —N(CH₂CH₃)₂ Ia₂ Ia₁₃ Ia₂₄

Ia₃ Ia₁₄ Ia₂₅

Ia₄ Ia₁₅ Ia₂₆

Ia₅ Ia₁₆ Ia₂₇

Ia₆ Ia₁₇ Ia₂₈

Ia₇ Ia₁₈ Ia₂₉

Ia₈ Ia₁₉ Ia₃₀

Ia₉ Ia₂₀ Ia₃₁

Ia₁₀ Ia₂₁ Ia₃₂

Ia₁₁ Ia₂₂ Ia₃₃

TABLE II Ib

n = 1 n = 2 n = 3 —N(CH₃)₂ Ib₁ Ib₁₂ Ib₂₃ —N(CH₂CH₃)₂ Ib₂ Ib₁₃ Ib₂₄

Ib₃ Ib₁₄ Ib₂₅

Ib₄ Ib₁₅ Ib₂₆

Ib₅ Ib₁₆ Ib₂₇

Ib₆ Ib₁₇ Ib₂₈

Ib₇ Ib₁₈ Ib₂₉

Ib₈ Ib₁₉ Ib₃₀

Ib₉ Ib₂₀ Ib₃₁

Ib₁₀ Ib₂₁ Ib₃₂

Ib₁₁ Ib₂₂ Ib₃₃

TABLE III Ic

n = 1 n = 2 n = 3 —N(CH₃)₂ Ic₁ Ic₁₂ Ic₂₃ —N(CH₂CH₃)₂ Ic₂ Ic₁₃ Ic₂₄

Ic₃ Ic₁₄ Ic₂₅

Ic₄ Ic₁₅ Ic₂₆

Ic₅ Ic₁₆ Ic₂₇

Ic₆ Ic₁₇ Ic₂₈

Ic₇ Ic₁₈ Ic₂₉

Ic₈ Ic₁₉ Ic₃₀

Ic₉ Ic₂₀ Ic₃₁

Ic₁₀ Ic₂₁ Ic₃₂

Ic₁₁ Ic₂₂ Ic₃₃

TABLE IV Id

R = Me R = Ph R = Bn —N(CH₃)₂ Id₁ Id₁₂ Id₂₃ —N(CH₂CH₃)₂ Id₂ Id₁₃ Id₂₄

Id₃ Id₁₄ Id₂₅

Id₄ Id₁₅ Id₂₆

Id₅ Id₁₆ Id₂₇

Id₆ Id₁₇ Id₂₈

Id₇ Id₁₈ Id₂₉

Id₈ Id₁₉ Id₃₀

Id₉ Id₂₀ Id₃₁

Id₁₀ Id₂₁ Id₃₂

Id₁₁ Id₂₂ Id₃₃

These are pyridazin-3(2H)-one having dithiocarbamate moieties bonded to position 5 through an alkyl chain of variable length and of general formula II.

wherein,

-   -   n is an integer number selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8;     -   R is a group selected from: a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl         group, a C₁-C₆ carboxyalkyl group, a C₁-C₆ haloalkyl group, a         C₆-C₁₂ aryl group, a C₆-C₁₂ aralkyl group, a C₄-C₁₂ heteroaryl         group;     -   R¹ is a group selected from: a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl         group, a halogen atom,     -   R² is a group selected from: a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl         group, a halogen atom,     -   R³, R⁴, being the same or different, are selected from: a         hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, saturated C₁-C₆         heterocycloalkyl group, a C₆-C₁₂ aryl group, a C₆-C₁₂ aralkyl         group, a C₄-C₁₂ heteroaryl group,     -   Or R³ and R⁴ form a cycle selected from: C₅-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₈         heterocycloalkyl, N-alkyl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl,         N-aryl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl, N-cycloalkyl         substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl, N-aralkyl substituted C₅-C₈         heterocycloalkyl, N-acyl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl.

And preferably

-   -   R is CH₃, phenyl (Ph) or benzyl (Bn).     -   R¹ is H, halogen (Cl, Br, I) or an alkyl chain     -   R² is hydrogen (H).     -   n is optionally 1, 2 or 3.     -   R³ and R⁴ may be hydrogen, alkyl groups being the same or         different, such as methyl (CH₃) or ethyl (CH₂CH₃), or, together         with the nitrogen atom (N), they may constitute a 5 or 6         membered heterocyclic ring, being aliphatic or incorporating an         oxygen atom (O) or a second N atom. This second N atom may be         substituted with a linear (CH₃, CH₂CH₃) or cyclic (cyclopropyl)         alkyl group, or with an aryl group (Ph), aralkyl (Bn) or aroyl         (benzoyl, Bz).

In a particular aspect, the compounds of general formula II are represented by formulae IIa₁-a₃₃ (table V), IIb₁-b₃₃ (table VI), IIc₁-c₃₃ (table VII) where R¹ and R² are preferably H.

TABLE V IIa

n = 1 n = 2 n = 3 —N(CH₃)₂ IIa₁ IIa₁₂ IIa₂₃ —N(CH₂CH₃)₂ IIa₂ IIa₁₃ IIa₂₄

IIa₃ IIa₁₄ IIa₂₅

IIa₄ IIa₁₅ IIa₂₆

IIa₅ IIa₁₆ IIa₂₇

IIa₆ IIa₁₇ IIa₂₈

IIa₇ IIa₁₈ IIa₂₉

IIa₈ IIa₁₉ IIa₃₀

IIa₉ IIa₂₀ IIa₃₁

IIa₁₀ IIa₂₁ IIa₃₂

IIa₁₁ IIa₂₂ IIa₃₃

TABLE VI IIb

n = 1 n = 2 n = 3 —N(CH₃)₂ IIb₁ IIb₁₂ IIb₂₃ —N(CH₂CH₃)₂ IIb₂ IIb₁₃ IIb₂₄

IIb₃ IIb₁₄ IIb₂₅

IIb₄ IIb₁₅ IIb₂₆

IIb₅ IIb₁₆ IIb₂₇

IIb₆ IIb₁₇ IIb₂₈

IIb₇ IIb₁₈ IIb₂₉

IIb₈ IIb₁₉ IIb₃₀

IIb₉ IIb₂₀ IIb₃₁

IIb₁₀ IIb₂₁ IIb₃₂

IIb₁₁ IIb₂₂ IIb₃₃

TABLE VII IIc

n = 1 n = 2 n = 3 —N(CH₃)₂ IIc₁ IIc₁₂ IIc₂₃ —N(CH₂CH₃)₂ IIc₂ IIc₁₃ IIc₂₄

IIc₃ IIc₁₄ IIc₂₅

IIc₄ IIc₁₅ IIc₂₆

IIc₅ IIc₁₆ IIc₂₇

IIc₆ IIc₁₇ IIc₂₈

IIc₇ IIc₁₈ IIc₂₉

IIc₈ IIc₁₉ IIc₃₀

IIc₉ IIc₂₀ IIc₃₁

IIc₁₀ IIc₂₁ IIc₃₂

IIc₁₁ IIc₂₂ IIc₃₃

These are pyridazin-3(2H)-one representing dithiocarbamate moieties bonded to position 4 through an alkyl chain of variable length and of the general formula III.

wherein,

-   -   n is an integer number selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8;     -   R is a group selected from: a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl         group, a C₁-C₆ carboxyalkyl group, a C₁-C₆ haloalkyl group, a         C₆-C₁₂ aryl group, a C₆-C₁₂ aralkyl group, a C₄-C₁₂ heteroaryl         group;     -   R¹ is a group selected from: a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl         group, a halogen atom,     -   R² is a group selected from: a hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl         group, a halogen atom,     -   R³, R⁴, being the same or different, are selected from: a         hydrogen atom, a C₁-C₆ alkyl group, saturated C₁-C₆         heterocycloalkyl group, a C₆-C₁₂ aryl group, a C₆-C₁₂ aralkyl         group, a C₄-C₁₂ heteroaryl group,     -   Or R³ and R⁴ form a cycle selected from: C₅-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₈         heterocycloalkyl, N-alkyl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl,         N-aryl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl, N-cycloalkyl         substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl, N-aralkyl substituted C₅-C₈         heterocycloalkyl, N-acyl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl.

And preferably

-   -   R is CH₃, phenyl (Ph) or benzyl (Bn).     -   R¹ is H, halogen (Cl, Br, I) or an alkyl chain     -   R² is hydrogen (H).     -   n is optionally 1, 2 or 3.     -   R³ and R⁴ may be hydrogen, alkyl groups being the same or         different, such as methyl (CH₃) or ethyl (CH₂CH₃), or, together         with the nitrogen atom (N), they may constitute a 5 or 6         membered heterocyclic ring, being aliphatic or incorporating an         oxygen atom (O) or a second N atom. This second N atom may be         substituted with a linear (CH₃, CH₂CH₃) or cyclic (cyclopropyl)         alkyl group, or with an aryl group (Ph), aralkyl (Bn) or aroyl         (benzoyl, Bz).

In a particular aspect, the compounds of the general formula I are represented by formulae IIIa₁-a₃₃ (table VIII), IIIb₁-b₃₃ (table IX), IIIc₁-c₃₃ (table X), where R¹ and R² are preferably H.

TABLE VIII IIIa

n = 1 n = 2 n = 3 —N(CH₃)₂ IIIa₁ IIIa₁₂ IIIa₂₃ —N(CH₂CH₃)₂ IIIa₂ IIIa₁₃ IIIa₂₄

IIIa₃ IIIa₁₄ IIIa₂₅

IIIa₄ IIIa₁₅ IIIa₂₆

IIIa₅ IIIa₁₆ IIIa₂₇

IIIa₆ IIIa₁₇ IIIa₂₈

IIIa₇ IIIa₁₈ IIIa₂₉

IIIa₈ IIIa₁₉ IIIa₃₀

IIIa₉ IIIa₂₀ IIIa₃₁

IIIa₁₀ IIIa₂₁ IIIa₃₂

IIIa₁₁ IIIa₂₂ IIIa₃₃

TABLE IX IIIb

n = 1 n = 2 n = 3 —N(CH₃)₂ IIIb₁ IIIb₁₂ IIIb₂₃ —N(CH₂CH₃)₂ IIIb₂ IIIb₁₃ IIIb₂₄

IIIb₃ IIIb₁₄ IIIb₂₅

IIIb₄ IIIb₁₅ IIIb₂₆

IIIb₅ IIIb₁₆ IIIb₂₇

IIIb₆ IIIb₁₇ IIIb₂₈

IIIb₇ IIIb₁₈ IIIb₂₉

IIIb₈ IIIb₁₉ IIIb₃₀

IIIb₉ IIIb₂₀ IIIb₃₁

IIIb₁₀ IIIb₂₁ IIIb₃₂

IIIb₁₁ IIIb₂₂ IIIb₃₃

TABLE X IIIc

n = 1 n = 2 n = 3 —N(CH₃)₂ IIIc₁ IIIc₁₂ IIIc₂₃ —N(CH₂CH₃)₂ IIIc₂ IIIc₁₃ IIIc₂₄

IIIc₃ IIIc₁₄ IIIc₂₅

IIIc₄ IIIc₁₅ IIIc₂₆

IIIc₅ IIIc₁₆ IIIc₂₇

IIIc₆ IIIc₁₇ IIIc₂₈

IIIc₇ IIIc₁₈ IIIc₂₉

IIIc₈ IIIc₁₉ IIIc₃₀

IIIc₉ IIIc₂₀ IIIc₃₁

IIIc₁₀ IIIc₂₁ IIIc₃₂

IIIc₁₁ IIIc₂₂ IIIc₃₃

In another aspect, the invention refers to a medicament comprising a compound of formula (I), (II) or (III), as it has been described above, or a salt thereof in a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier, having one or more pharmaceutically acceptable excipients.

In a particular embodiment, said medicament also comprises one or more additional therapeutic agents.

Synthesis

The compounds Ia-d, IIa-c and IIIa-c could be obtained by means of any known chemical process being applicable to similar compounds.

In another aspect, the invention refers to a method for the synthesis of a compound of formula (I), (II) or (III), as it has been described above, characterized in that it comprises at least a stage, wherein the 6(5)(4)-bromoalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone of formula (IV), (IX) o (XIII), a secondary amine of formula V and carbon disulphide (CS₂) react in the presence of a base in a solvent at room temperature.

The compounds Ia-d of the general formula I were obtained by means of a multi-component reaction between the 6-bromoalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones of formula IV, a secondary amine of formula V and carbon disulphide (CS₂) in the presence of anhydrous potassium phosphate (K₃PO₄) as an example of a base, in dimethylformamide (DMF) as an example of solvent, and at room temperature (RT), such as it is shown in scheme 1.

Wherein R, R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and n are as described above for the compounds of formula I.

CS₂ and amines of formula V are commercial compounds, while the 6-bromoalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones of formula IV can be obtained from 6-hydroxyalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones of formula VI, where R, R¹, R² and n are as described above, by carbon tetrabromide bromination (CBr₄) and triphenylphosphine (PPh₃) or with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and PPh₃, adapting standard procedures (J. Heterocyclic Chem. 36, 985-990, 1999; Tetrahedron 50, 13575-13682, 1994).

Precursors of structure VI can be prepared in two stages (scheme 2) from 5-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxyalkyl)-5-hydroxy(methoxy)-5H-furan-2-ones of structure VII, wherein R¹, R² and n are as described above, and similarly, as described in the bibliography (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 20, 6624-6627, 2010; Magn. Reson. Chem., 49, 437-442, 2011). A first reaction of the furanones VII with methylhydrazine (CH₃NHNH₂), phenylhydrazine (PhNHNH₂) or benzylhydrazine (BnNHNH₂) in ethanol (EtOH), provides the 6-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxyalkyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinones of structure VIII, wherein R, R¹, R² and n are as described above, which transform into the 6-hydroxyalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones VI by reaction with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in tetrahydrofuran (THF).

Furanones of structure VII can be prepared from the corresponding 2-alkylfuranes by oxidation with singlet oxygen, in a manner being analogous to that described in the bibliography (Tetrahedron Lett. 45, 5207-5209, 2004; Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 20, 6624-6627, 2010; Magn. Reson. Chem., 49, 437-442, 2011).

Compounds IIa-c of general formula II were obtained by multicomponent reaction between 5-bromoalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones of formula IX, a secondary amine of formula V and carbon disulphide (CS₂) in the presence of anhydrous potassium phosphate (K₃PO₄), in dimethylformamide (DMF) and at room temperature (RT), as it is shown in scheme 3.

Wherein R, R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and n are as described above for the compounds of formula I.

CS₂ and amines of formula V are commercial compounds, whereas 5-bromoalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones of formula IX can be obtained from 5-hydroxyalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones of formula X, wherein R, R¹, R² and n are as described above, by carbon tetrabromide bromination (CBr₄) and triphenylphosphine (PPh₃) or with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and PPh₃, adapting standard procedures (J. Heterocyclic Chem. 36, 985-990, 1999; Tetrahedron 50, 13575-13682, 1994).

Precursors of structure X can be prepared in two stages (scheme 4) from 4-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxyalkyl)-5-hydroxy-5H-furan-2-ones of structure XI, wherein R¹, R² and n are as described above, and similarly, as described in the bibliography (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 20, 6624-6627, 2010; Magn. Reson. Chem., 49, 437-442, 2011). A first reaction of the furanones XI with methylhydrazine (CH₃NHNH₂), phenylhydrazine (PhNHNH₂) or benzylhydrazine (BnNHNH₂) in ethanol (EtOH), provides the 5-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxyalkyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinones of structure XII, wherein R, R¹, R² and n are as described above, which transform into the 5-hydroxyalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones X by reaction with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in tetrahydrofuran (THF).

Furanones of structure XI can be prepared from the corresponding 3-alkylfuranes by oxidation with singlet oxygen, in a manner being analogous to that described in the bibliography (Tetrahedron Lett. 45, 5207-5209, 2004; Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 20, 6624-6627, 2010; Magn. Reson. Chem., 49, 437-442, 2011).

Compounds IIIa-c of general formula III were obtained by multicomponent reaction between 4-bromoalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones of formula XIII, a secondary amine of formula V and carbon disulphide (CS₂) in the presence of anhydrous potassium phosphate (K₃PO₄), in dimethylformamide (DMF) and at room temperature (RT), as it is shown in scheme 5.

Where R, R¹, R², R³, R⁴ and n, are as described above for the compounds of formula III.

CS₂ and amines of formula V are commercial compounds, whereas 4-bromoalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones of formula XIII can be obtained from 4-hydroxyalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones of formula XIV, wherein R, R¹, R² and n are as described above, by carbon tetrabromide bromination (CBr₄) and triphenylphosphine (PPh₃) or with N-bromosuccinimide (NBS) and PPh₃, adapting standard procedures (J. Heterocyclic Chem. 36, 985-990, 1999; Tetrahedron 50, 13575-13682, 1994).

Precursors of structure XIV can be prepared in two stages (scheme 6) from 3-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxyalkyl)-5-hydroxy-5H-furan-2-ones of structure XV, wherein R¹, R² and n are as described above, and similarly, as described in the bibliography (Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 20, 6624-6627, 2010; Magn. Reson. Chem., 49, 437-442, 2011). A first reaction of the furanones XV with methylhydrazine (CH₃NHNH₂), phenylhydrazine (PhNHNH₂) or benzylhydrazine (BnNHNH₂) in ethanol (EtOH), provides the 5-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxyalkyl)-3(2H)-pyridazinones of structure XVI, wherein R, R¹, R² and n are as described above, which transform into the 5-hydroxyalkyl-3(2H)-pyridazinones XIV by reaction with tetrabutylammonium fluoride (TBAF) in tetrahydrofuran (THF).

Furanones of structure XV can be prepared from the corresponding 3-alkylfuranes by oxidation with singlet oxygen, in a manner being analogous to that described in the bibliography (Tetrahedron Lett. 45, 5207-5209, 2004; Bioorg. Med. Chem. Lett. 20, 6624-6627, 2010; Magn. Reson. Chem., 49, 437-442, 2011).

Compounds of formula Ia-d, IIa-c and IIa-c selectively inhibit MAO isoform B and may be used for preparing medicaments intended to treat disorders derived from MAO-B hyperactivity, as degenerative disorders of the central nervous system (CNS), such as Parkinson's disease (PD), Alzheimer's disease (AD) and other dementias.

Some representative compounds of formula Ia-d, IIa-c and IIIa-c to which the present invention refer to, are the following,

-   a) 1,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ylmethyl     N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (Id₂). -   b) 1,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ylmethyl     Pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (Id₃). -   c) 1,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ylmethyl     Piperidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (Id₄). -   d) 1,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ylmethyl     morpholin-4-ylcarbodithioate (Id₅). -   e) 1,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ylmethyl     4-benzoylpiperazin-1-ylcarbodithioate (Id₁₁). -   f) 2-(1-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-yl)ethyl     Piperidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (Ia₁₅). -   g) 3-(1-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-yl)propyl     Pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (Ia₂₅). -   h) 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl     N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (IIc₂). -   i) 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl     Pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (IIc₃). -   j) 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl     Piperidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (IIc₄). -   k) 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl     Morpholin-4-ylcarbodithioate (IIc₅). -   l) 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl     4-benzoylpiperazin-1-ylcarbodithioate (IIc₁₁). -   m) 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-5-ylmethyl     Pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (IIIc₃). -   n) 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-5-ylmethyl     Morpholin-4-ylcarbodithioate (IIIc₅). -   o) 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-5-ylmethyl     4-benzoylpiperazin-1-ylcarbodithioate (IIIc₁₁).

EXAMPLES

The examples given below should be considered as a way of providing a better understanding of the present invention, without being limitative thereof.

General procedures Proton nuclear magnetic resonance spectra (¹H NMR) are in all cases according to the structures disclosed. The ¹H NMRs were registered in the Bruker 400 DPX and Bruker ARX 400 spectrophotometer, using deuterated chloroform (CDCl₃) or deuterated methanol (CD₃OD). Chemical shifts are expressed in δ units, in parts per million (ppm), relative to tetramethylsilane (TMS), coupling constants (J) are indicated in Hertzs (Hz), and multiplicity as follows: s, singlet; d, doublet; t, triplet; m, multiplet. High resolution mass spectrometry (HRMS) was performed in a Bruker Microtof Focus spectrometer, using electrospray ionization (ESI) or electron impact ionization (EI).

Reactions under inert atmosphere were performed under argon (Ar) atmosphere. All the commercial reagents were directly taken from the bottles provided by the supplier and were used without being purified. Organic solvents were dried by means of standard procedures (Vogel's Textbook of Practical Organic Chemistry 5th ed. Longman Scientific and Technical: London 1989; Perrin, D. D., Armarego, W. L. F. Purification of Laboratory Chemicals, 6th ed. Butterworth-Heineman Ltd.: Oxford 2008) and were immediately distilled before being used. Reaction development was assessed by thin layer chromatography, using silica gel plates (Merck 60F254), which were visualized by UV light and developed by means of a dissolution containing 3 g of potassium permanganate (KMnO₄), 20 g of potassium carbonate (K₂CO₃), 5 mL of 5% sodium hydroxide dissolution (NaOH 5%) and 300 mL of water (H₂O). The products were purified by pressure column chromatography on silica gel, Merck (230-400 mesh).

Example 1 Preparation of 1,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ylmethyl N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (Id₂)

A solution of 5-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)-5-hydroxy-4-methyl-5H-furan-2-one VIId (212 mg, 0.554 mmol) in absolute EtOH (4 mL), was added at room temperature (RT), a CH₃NHNH₂ solution (0.06 mL, 1.108 mmol) in absolute EtOH (1 mL). The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 18 hours. Once the reaction was finished, and once the resulting solution was cooled, the solvent was removed under vacuum and the residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, using hexane/ethyl acetate (3:1) as eluent, thus obtaining 6-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone VIIId_(I) (313 mg, 52%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₂₃H₂₉N₂O₂Si [M+H]⁺, 393.19983; found 393.19928.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.68 (m, 4H,), 7.67 (m, 6H,), 6.70 (d, 1H, J=1.1 Hz), 4.64 (s, 2H), 3.62 (s, 3H,), 2.34 (d, 3H, J=1.1 Hz), 1.01 (s, 9H).

A solution of the compound VIIId₁ (74 mg, 0.188 mmol) in THF (4 mL), was added at RT, and under argon (Ar) atmosphere, a 1M TBAF solution in THF (0.2 mL, 0.188 mmol). The reaction mixture was kept under stirring, at RT and under Ar atmosphere for 15 minutes. Once the reaction was finished, it was added some drops of saturated NaHCO₃ solution, stirring was kept for 15 additional minutes and then it was dried with anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The resulting suspension was filtered and the filtrate was concentrated to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, using ethyl acetate/methanol (9.5:0.5) as eluent, obtaining 6-hydroxymethyl-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone VId_(I) (26 mg, 86%). EMAR (EI): m/z calculated for C₇H₁₀N₂O₂[M]⁺, 154.0742, found 154.0735.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 6,70 (d, 1H, J=1.1 Hz), 4.58 (s, 2H), 3.73 (s, 3H), 2.21 (d, 3H, J=1.1 Hz).

A solution of the compound VId₁ (48 mg, 0.311 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (8 mL) was successively added CBr₄ (207 mg, 0.623 mmol) and PPh₃ (163 mg 0.623 mmol). The reaction mixture was kept under stirring at reflux, under Ar atmosphere for 6 hours. Once the reaction was finished, and once the resulting solution was cooled, it was treated with a saturated NaHCO₃ solution (2 mL), extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×5 mL) and the organic extract was dried over anhydrous Na₂SO₄. The resulting suspension was filtered and the filtrate was vacuum concentrated. The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel, using ethyl acetate/methanol (8.5:1.5) as eluent, thus obtaining 6-bromomethyl-2,5-dimethyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone IVd₁(65 mg, 96%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₇H₁₀BrN₂O, 216.99710 [M+H]⁺. found 216.99627.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ:6.73 (m, 1H), 4.37 (s, 2H), 3.74 (s, 3H), 2.32 (d, 3H, J=1.1 Hz).

A diethylamine solution (8 μL, 0.077 mmol) in DMF (1 mL), was added CS₂ (9 μL, 0.141 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (16 mg, 0.077 mmol). The mixture obtained was stirred at RT and under Ar atmosphere for 30 minutes. Then, a solution of the compound IVd₁(11 mg, 0.051 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was added and stirring was kept under the same conditions for 22 hours. Then, the reaction mixture was treated with H₂O (0.5 mL) and was concentrated to dryness under vacuum. The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 3:1 and 1:3) thus obtaining the compound Id₂ (14 mg, 97%). EMAR (ESI): m/z [M+H]⁺ calculated for C₁₂H₂₀N₃OS₂, 286.10423. found 286.10546.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 6.69 (s, 1H), 4.52 (s, 2H), 4.03 (c, 2H, J=7.0 Hz), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.65 (c, 2H, J=7.0 Hz), 2.26 (s, 3H), 1.28 (m, 6H).

Example 2 Preparation of 1,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ylmethyl Pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (Id₃)

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a solution of pyrrolidine (8 μL, 0.096 mmol), CS₂ (11 μL, 0.175 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (20 mg, 0.096 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IVd₁(10 mg, 0.046 mmol) in DMF (1 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 3:1 and hexane/ethyl acetate 1:3), obtaining the compound Id₃ (13 mg, 100%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₂H₁₈N₃₀S₂, 284.08858 [M+H]⁺. found 284.08856.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 6.69 (m, 1H), 4.55 (s, 2H), 3.94 (t, 2H, J=6.9 Hz), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.65 (t, 2H, J=6.9 Hz), 2.26 (d, 3H, J=1.1 Hz), 2.08 (m, 2H), 1.99 (m, 2H).

Example 3 Preparation of 1,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ylmethyl Piperidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (Id₄)

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a solution of piperidine (8 μL, 0.081 mmol), CS₂ (9 μL, 0.147 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (17 mg, 0.081 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IVd₁(15 mg, 0.069 mmol) in DMF (1 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 3:1, 1:1, 1:3 and 1:4), obtaining the compound Id₄ (19 mg, 95%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₃H₂₀N₃₀S₂, 298.10423 [M+H]⁺. found 298.10379.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 6.69 (m, 1H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 4.28 (m, 2H), 3.88 (m, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.26 (d, 3H, J=1.0 Hz), 1.70 (m, 6H).

Example 4 Preparation of 1,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ylmethyl morpholin-4-ylcarbodithioate (Id₅)

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a solution of morpholine (8 μL, 0.091 mmol), CS₂ (10 μL, 0.165 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (19 mg, 0.091 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IVd₁(10 mg, 0.046 mmol) in DMF (1 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 3:1, 1:2, and 1:4), obtaining the compound Id₅ (13 mg, 94%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₂H₁₈N₃O₂S₂, 300.08349 [M+H]⁺. found 300.08357.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 6,70 (m, 1H), 4.54 (s, 2H), 4.33 (m, 2H), 3.96 (m, 2H), 3.77 (m, 4H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 2.27 (d, 3H, J=1.0 Hz).

Example 5 Preparation of 1,4-dimethyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-ylmethyl 4-benzoylpiperazin-1-ylcarbodithioate (Id₁₁)

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a solution of 1-benzoylpiperazine (13 mg, 0.068 mmol), CS₂ (8 μL, 0.132 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (14 mg, 0.068 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IVd₁(10 mg, 0.046 mmol) in DMF (1 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 1:1, 1:2 and 1:4), obtaining the compound Id₁₁ (18 mg, 97%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₉H₂₃N₄O₂S₂, 403.12569 [M+H]⁺. found 403.12569.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.43 (m, 5H), 6.71 (s, 1H), 4.53 (s, 2H), 4.18 (m, 4H), 3.84 (m, 2H), 3.72 (s, 3H), 3.65 (m, 2H), 2.26 (s, 3H).

Example 6 Preparation of 2-(1-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-yl)ethyl Piperidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (Ia₁₅)

According to the procedure described for IVd_(I), a solution of 6-(2-hydroxyethyl)-2-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone VIa_(II)(6 mg, 0.039 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (6 mL) was treated with CBr₄ (26 mg, 0.078 mmol) and PPh₃ (20 mg 0.078 mmol). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using methylene chloride/methanol as eluent (88:2), obtaining 6-(2-bromoethyl)-2-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone IVa_(II)(7 mg, 83%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) (δ: 7.14 (d, 1H, J=9.4 Hz), 6.90 (d, 1H, J=9.4 Hz), 3.76 (s, 3H), 3.64 (t, 2H, J=7.0 Hz), 3.14 (t, 2H, J=7.0 Hz).

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a solution of piperidine (8 μL, 0.081 mmol), CS₂ (9 μL, 0.147 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (17 mg, 0.081 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IVa_(II)(10 mg, 0.046 mmol) in DMF (1 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 3:1, 1:1 and 1:3), obtaining the compound Ia₁₅ (8.5 mg, 89%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₃H₂₀N₃OS₂, 298.10423 [M+H]⁺. found 298.10432.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.25 (d, 1H, J=9.5 Hz), 6.89 (d, 1H, J=9.5 Hz), 4.29 (m, 2H), 3.86 (m, 2H), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.59 (t, 2H, J=7.4 Hz), 3.00 (t, 2H, J=7.4 Hz), 1.70 (m, 6H).

Example 7 Preparation of 2-(1-methyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-3-yl)propyl Pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (Ia₂₅)

According to the procedure described for IVd_(I), a solution of 6-(2-hydroxypropyl)-2-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone VIa_(II)(6 mg, 0.036 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (6 mL) was treated with CBr₄ (30 mg, 0.096 mmol) and PPh₃ (30 mg 0.114 mmol). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel using methylene chloride/methanol as eluent (88:2), obtaining 6-(2-bromopropyl)-2-methyl-3(2H)-pyridazinone IVa_(II)(7 mg, 84%). EMAR (EI): m/z calculated for C₈H₁₁BrN₂O, 230.0055 [M]⁺. found 230.0057.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.11 (d, 1H, J=9.6 Hz), 6.89 (d, 1H, J=9.6 Hz), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.47 (t, 2H, J=6.4 Hz), 2.76 (t, 2H, J=7.4 Hz), 2.22 (m, 2H).

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a solution of pyrrolidine (8 μL, 0.096 mmol), CS₂ (9 μL, 0.147 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (17 mg, 0.081 mmol) in DMF (1 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IVa_(II)(9 mg, 0.039 mmol) in DMF (1 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 1:1, 1:2), obtaining the compound Ia₂₅ (11 mg, 95%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₃H₂₀N₃OS₂, 298.10478 [M+H]⁺. found 298.10432.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.13 (d, 1H, J=9.5 Hz), 6.89 (d, 1H, J=9.5 Hz), 3.93 (t, 2H, J=6.9 Hz), 3.75 (s, 3H), 3.64 (t, 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 3.36 (t, 2H, J=7.3 Hz), 2.71 (t, 2H, J=7.6 Hz), 2.07 (m, 4H), 1.98 (m, 2H).

Example 8 Preparation of 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl N,N-diethyldithiocarbamate (IIc₂)

A solution of 3-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)furan (3.00 g, 8.92 mmol) in dry MeOH (40 mL) was added diisopropylethylamine (7 mL, 40.20 mmol) and rose Bengal (15 mg) and was purged at RT with O₂ for 1 h. The reaction mixture was cooled at −78° C. and irradiated with a 200 W lamp under an O₂ atmosphere for 5 h. Then it was left to reach RT and the solvent was removed under vacuum. The residue obtained was dissolved in CH₂Cl₂ (40 mL) and a 0.12 M oxalic acid solution (350 mL) was added, stirring for 30 min. The resulting mixture was extracted with CH₂Cl₂ (3×100 mL) and the combined organic phases were dried, filtered and concentrated under vacuum. The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate/hexane 1:2), with a mixture of 4-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)-5-hydroxy-5H-furan-2-one XI₁ and of 3-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)-5-hydroxy-5H-furan-2-one XV₁ (3.29 g, 100%) being isolated at a ratio 4:1. EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₂₁H₂₅O₄Si, 369.15166 [M+1]. found 369.15162.

A solution of the mixture of compounds XI₁ y XV₁ (531 mg, 1.44 mmol, 4:1 ratio) in absolute ethanol (15 mL), was added benzylhydrazine dihydrochloride (BnNHNH₂.2HCl, 562 mg, 2.88 mmol) and Et₃N (0.6 mL, 4.30 mmol). The reaction mixture was stirred at reflux for 7 h. Then, the solvent was removed under vacuum, and the residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 9:1), isolating 2-benzyl-4-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one XVIc₁ (43 mg, 32%) and then 2-benzyl-5-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one XIIc₁ (277 mg, 53%).

2-Benzyl-4-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one XVIc₁ EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₂₈H₃₁N₂O₂Si, 455.21493 [M+1]. found 455.21371.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.85 (d, 1H, J=4.0 Hz), 7.63 (m, 4H), 7.51 (m, 1H), 7.36 (m, 11H), 5.29 (s, 2H), 4.73 (d, 2H, J=1.5 Hz), 1.12 (s, 9H).

2-Benzyl-5-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one XIIc₁ EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₂₈H₃₁N₂O₂Si, 455.21493 [M+1]. found 455.21473.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.64 (m, 5H, H6), 7.37 (m, 11H), 6.96 (m, 1H), 5.32 (s, 2H), 4.55 (d, 2H, J=1.5 Hz), 1.09 (s, 9H).

According to the procedure described for VId, a 2-benzyl-5-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one XIIc₁ solution (247 mg, 0.54 mmol) in THF (5 mL), was treated with a 1M TBAF solution in THF (0.8 mL, 0.81 mmol). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate/methanol 98:2), obtaining 2-benzyl-5-hydroxymethylpyridazin-3(2H)-one Xc_(I)(102 mg, 87%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₂H₁₃N₂O₂, 217.09715 [M+1]. found 217.09782.

According to the procedure described for IVd_(I), a 2-benzyl-5-hydroxymethylpyridazin-3(2H)-one Xc_(I) solution (83 mg, 0.39 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL), was treated with CBr₄ (256 mg, 0.77 mmol) and PPh₃ (202 mg, 0.77 mmol). The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: dichloromethane/methanol 99.5:0.5), obtaining 2-benzyl-5-bromomethylpyridazin-3(2H)-one IXc_(I) (62 mg, 58%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₂H₁₂BrN₂O, 279.01275 [M+1]. found 279.01210.

¹H-NMR (CDCl₃, δ): 7.77 (d, 1H, J=1.9 Hz), 7.40 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 3H), 6.85 (d, 1H, J=1.9 Hz), 5.30 (s, 2H), 4.17 (s, 2H).

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a diethylamine solution (3.9 μL, 0.037 mmol), CS₂ (4.1 μL, 0.068 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (8 mg, 0.037 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IXc_(I) (9.5 mg, 0.034 mmol) in DMF (2 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 4:1, 3:1, 2:1), obtaining the compound IIc₂ (10.2 mg, 86%). EMAR (ESI): m/z [M+H]⁺ calculated for C₁₇H₂₂N₃OS₂, 348.12043. found 348.11976.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ:7,84 (m, 1H), 7.43 (m, 2H), 7.32 (m, 3H), 6.91 (m, 1H), 5.30 (s, 2H), 4.45 (s, 2H), 4.03 (c, 2H, J=6.5 Hz), 3.76 (c, 2H, J=6.5 Hz), 1.30 (m, 6H).

Example 9 Preparation of 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl Pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (IIc₃)

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a pyrrolidine solution (3.2 μL, 0.038 mmol), CS₂ (4.1 μL, 0.068 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (8 mg, 0.037 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IXc_(I) (10 mg, 0.035 mmol) in DMF (2 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 3:1, 2:1), obtaining the compound IIc₃ (11.7 mg, 97%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₇H₂₀N₃OS₂, 348.10478 [M+H]⁺. found 346.19423.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.83 (d, 1H, J=2.1 Hz), 7.40 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 3H), 6.89 (m, 1H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 4.43 (s, 2H), 3.91 (t, 2H, J=6.9 HZ), 3.65 (t, 2H, J=6.9 Hz), 2.09 (q, 2H, J=6.9 Hz), 2.00 (q, 2H, J=6.9 Hz).

Example 10 Preparation of 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl Piperidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (IIc₄)

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a piperidine solution (3.1 μL, 0.031 mmol), CS₂ (3.5 μL, 0.057 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (8 mg, 0.037 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IXc_(I) (10 mg, 0.035 mmol) in DMF (2 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 4:1, 3:1, 2:1), obtaining the compound IIc₄ (9.4 mg, 90%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₈H₂₂N₃OS₂, 360.12043 [M+H]⁺. found 360.11968.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.82 (d, 1H, J=2.3 Hz), 7.41 (m, 2H), 7.29 (m, 3H), 6.88 (m, 1H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 4.26 (m, 2H), 3.87 (m, 2H), 1.71 (m, 6H).

Example 11 Preparation of 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl Morpholin-4-ylcarbodithioate (IIc₅)

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a morpholine solution (3.4 μL, 0.039 mmol), CS₂ (4.4 μL, 0.072 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (8 mg, 0.037 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IXc_(I) (10 mg, 0.035 mmol) in DMF (2 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 4:1, 3:1, 2:1), obtaining the compound IIc₅ (12 mg, 92%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₇H₂₀N₃O₂S₂, 362.09969 [M+H]⁺. found 362.09914.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ:7.80 (d, 1H, J=2 Hz), 7.41 (m, 2H), 7.30 (m, 3H), 6.89 (m, 1H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 4.45 (s, 2H), 4.30 (m, 2H), 3.93 (m, 2H), 3.77 (m, 4H).

Example 12 Preparation of 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl 4-benzoylpiperazin-1-ylcarbodithioate (IIc₁₁)

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a benzoylpiperazine solution (7 mg, 0.038 mmol), CS₂ (4.1 μL, 0.068 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (8 mg, 0.037 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound IXc_(I) (10 mg, 0.035 mmol) in DMF (2 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 2:1, 1:1), obtaining the compound IIc₁₁ (12 mg, 74%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₂₄H₂₅N₄O₂S₂, 465.14189 [M+H]⁺. found 465.14134.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.89 (d, 1H, J=2.3 Hz), 7.43 (m, 7H), 7.30 (m, 3H), 6.89 (m, 1H), 5.28 (s, 2H), 4.44 (s, 2H), 4.39-3.54 (m, 8H).

Example 13 Preparation of 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-5-ylmethyl Pyrrolidin-1-ylcarbodithioate (IIIc₃)

According to the procedure described for VId_(I), a 2-benzyl-4-(tert-butyldiphenylsyliloxymethyl)pyridazin-3(2H)-one XVIc₁ solution (70 mg, 0.15 mmol) in THF (5 mL) was treated with a 1M TBAF solution in THF (0.2 mL, 0.23 mmol). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: ethyl acetate/methanol 98:2), obtaining 2-benzyl-4-hydroxymethylpyridazin-3(2H)-one XIVc_(I) (25 mg, 75%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₂H₁₃N₂O₂, 217.09715 [M+1]. found 217.09651.

According to the procedure described for IVd_(I), a 2-benzyl-4-hydroxymethylpyridazin-3(2H)-one XIVc_(I) solution (29 mg, 0.13 mmol) in CH₂Cl₂ (5 mL) was treated with CBr₄ (90 mg, 0.27 mmol) and PPh₃ (70 mg, 0.27 mmol). The residue was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 6:1) obtaining 2-benzyl-4-bromomethylpyridazin-3(2H)-one XIIIc_(I) (31 mg, 84%).

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.77 (d, 1H, J=4 Hz), 7.46-7.41 (m, 2H), 7.36-7.27 (m, 4H), 5.35 (s, 2H), 4.39 (s, 2H).

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a pyrrolidine solution (3.9 μL, 0.046 mmol), CS₂ (4.4 μL, 0.072 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (8 mg, 0.037 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound XIIIc_(I) (10 mg, 0.035 mmol) in DMF (2 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: dichloromethane/methanol 98:2), obtaining the compound IIIc₃ (6.6 mg, 55%). EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₇H₂₀N₃OS₂, 346.10478 [M+H]⁺. found 346.10451.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.70 (d, 1H, J=4.1 Hz), 7.51 (d, 1H, J=4.1 Hz) 7.41-4.43 (m, 2H), 7.33-7.26 (m, 3H), 5.32 (s, 2H), 4.54 (s, 2H), 3.90 (t, 2H, J=6.7 HZ), 3.63 (t, 2H, J=6.7 Hz), 2.05 (q, 2H, J=6.7 Hz), 1.95 (q, 2H, J=6.7 Hz).

Example 14 Preparation of 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-5-ylmethyl Morpholin-4-ylcarbodithioate (IIIc₅)

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a morpholine solution (7 μL, 0.080 mmol), CS₂ (10 μL, 0.160 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (17 mg, 0.079 mmol) in DMF (2 mL) was treated with a solution of the compound XIIIc_(I) (11 mg, 0.040 mmol) in DMF (2 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: hexane/ethyl acetate 3:1), obtaining the compound IIIc₅ (14 mg, 97%).

EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₁₇H₂₀N₃O₂S₂, 362.09969 [M+H]⁺. found 362.09914.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.71 (d, 1H, J=4.1 Hz), 7.47 (d, 1H, J=4.1 Hz), 7.42 (d, 2H, J=6.8 Hz), 7.34-7.26 (m, 3H), 5.31 (s, 2H), 4.55 (s, 2H), 4.38-4.23 (m, 2H), 4.11-3.98 (m, 2H), 3.81-3.73 (m, 4H).

Example 15 Preparation of 1-benzyl-6-oxo-1,6-dihydropyridazin-4-ylmethyl 4-benzoylpiperazin-1-ylcarbodithioate (IIIc₁₁)

According to the procedure described for obtaining the compound Id₂, a solution of benzoylpiperazine (11.4 mg, 0.060 mmol), CS₂ (7 μL, 0.112 mmol) and K₃PO₄ (13 mg, 0,060 mmol) in DMF (2 mL), was treated with a solution of the compound XIIIc_(I) (9 mg, 0.030 mmol) in DMF (2 mL). The residue obtained was purified by column chromatography on silica gel (eluent: dichloromethane, dichloromethane/methanol 99:1), obtaining the compound IIIc₁₁ (14 mg, 100%).

EMAR (ESI): m/z calculated for C₂₄H₂₅N₄O₂S₂, 465.14189 [M+H]⁺. found 465.14071.

¹H NMR (CDCl₃) δ: 7.73 (d, 1H, J=4.0 Hz), 7.48 (d, 1H, J=4.0 Hz), 7.42 (m, 7H), 7.31 (m, 3H), 5.33 (s, 2H), 4.56 (s, 2H), 4.18 (m, 4H), 3.83 (m, 2H), 3.62 (m, 2H).

Inhibition of MAOs Determination of MAO Isoforms Activity

The effects of compounds of formulas I, II and III on monoamine oxidase were determined by measuring the production of hydrogen peroxide (H₂O₂), and therefore the production of resorufin from p-tyramine, a substrate common to both isoenzymes (MAO-A and MAO-B). This was performed by using Amplex® Red reagent (Molecular Probes, Eugene, Oreg., USA) and MAO isoforms present in the microsomal fraction, prepared from insect cells (BTI-TN-5B1-4) infected with recombinant baculovirus, containing human MAO-A or MAO-B cDNA (Sigma-Aldrich Química S.A., Alcobendas, Spain).

Production of H₂O₂ catalysed by the 2 MAO isoforms can be detected by using Amplex® Red reagent (10-acetyl-3,7-dihydroxyphenoxazine), a non-fluorescent substance, highly sensitive, which reacts with H₂O₂ in the presence of horseradish peroxidase for producing a fluorescent product, resorufin.

In our experiments, the MAO activity was assessed with the above mentioned method, adapting the general process previously described (Biochem. Biophys. Res. Comm. 344, 688-695, 2006).

In the first place, 0.1 ml of sodium phosphate buffer (0.05 M, pH 7.4) was incubated, containing different concentrations of the novel compounds under study (or reference inhibitors) and the amount of human recombinant MAO-A or MAOB required for obtaining in our experimental conditions the same reaction speed in the presence of both isoenzymes; that is, for oxidizing, in the absence of drugs (control group), 165 pmoles of p-tyramine per minute (MAO-A: 1.1 μg; specific activity: 150 nmoles of p-tyramine oxidized to p-hydroxyphenylacetaldehyde per minute per protein mg; MAO-B: 7.5 μg; specific activity: 22 nmoles of p-tyramine transformed per minute per protein mg). Said incubation was performed for 15 minutes at 37° C. in 96 well plates with black and flat bottom (Microtest™ plate, BD, Franklin Lakes, N.J., USA), already placed in the light-tight chamber of the fluorescence reader (see the model below). After incubation period, reaction was started by adding (final concentrations) 200 μM of Amplex® Red reagent, 1 unit (U)/ml of horseradish peroxidase and 1 mM of p-tyramine as substrate, both for studies carried out with MAO-A and those carried out with MAO-B.

H₂O₂ and, accordingly, resorufin production was quantified at 37° C. in a plate fluorescence reader (FLX800™, Bio-Tek® Instruments, Inc., Winooski, Vt., EE.UU.), determining the fluorescence generated (excitation 545 nm, emission 590 nm) for 15 minutes, a period in which the increase of fluorescence was linear from the beginning.

Simultaneously, control experiments were conducted substituting the drugs (compounds of formulas I, II and III or reference inhibitors) with the appropriate vehicle dilutions. Furthermore, it was determined the possible capacity of the drugs for modifying the fluorescence generated in the reaction mixture by a non-enzymatic inhibition (for example, by direct reaction with the Amplex® Red reagent), and for that reason the drugs were added to solutions containing only the Amplex® Red reagent in a sodium phosphate buffer.

Specific fluorescence emission was calculated (used for obtaining the final results) after subtracting the background activity, being determined in vials in which solutions with MAO isoforms were substituted by sodium phosphate buffer.

Statistical Data and Analysis Presentation

Unless otherwise indicated, the results shown in the text and in the tables are expressed as the mean±mean standard error (m.s.e.) of five experiments. The statistically significant difference between two means (P<0.05 or P<0.01) was determined by one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), followed by Dunnett's multiple comparison test.

In order to study the possible effects of the compounds of formulas I, II and III, and of the reference inhibitors, about the enzymatic activity of the MAO isoforms, fluorescence per time unit was assessed (quantified as random fluorescence/minute units) and indirectly H₂O₂ production; and accordingly, the pmoles/min of resorufin produced in the reaction between H₂O₂ and Amplex® Red reagent. In order to achieve that, several concentrations of resorufin were used with the purpose of creating a standard curve, being X=pmoles of resorufin and Y=fluorescence random units. The pmoles of resorufin produced are equivalent to the pmoles of oxidised p-tyramine, since stoichiometry of the reaction is 1:1.

In these experiments, MAOI activity of the compounds of formula I, II and III and that of the reference inhibitors is expressed as IC₅₀, that is, the required concentration of each compound for producing a reduction in the control value of the MAO isoforms enzymatic activity by 50%. For determining the IC₅₀ of each compound the computer program Origin™ 5.0 (Microcal Software, Inc., Northampton, Mass., USA) was used. The IC₅₀ values were calculated from the straight lines equations obtained by linear regression (method of the least squares) of the points resulting from representing the log of the molar concentration of the compound studied (axis of abscissas) against the percentage of the control MAO activity inhibition achieved with said concentration (axis of ordinates). This linear regression was performed using for each compound the data obtained with 4 to 6 concentrations capable of inhibiting between 20% and 80% of the control enzymatic activity of MAO isoenzymes. Furthermore, the ratio was calculated [IC₅₀ (MAO-A)]/[IC₅₀ (MAO-B)] as an indicator of selectivity in the inhibition shown on both isoforms.

Drugs and Chemical Compounds

The drugs and chemical substances used in the experiments were compounds of formulas I, II and III, moclobemide (kindly provided by Hoffman-La Roche Laboratories, Basel, Switzerland), selegiline and iproniazid phosphate (acquired in Sigma-Aldrich, Spain), resorufin sodium salt, clorgiline hydrochloride, p-tyramine hydrochloride, sodium phosphate and horseradish peroxidase (provided in the MAO assay kit Amplex® Red of Molecular Probes).

Appropriate dilutions of the above compounds were prepared in Milli-Q® water (Millipore Ibérica S.A., Madrid, Spain) every day before using thereof, from the following concentrated stock solutions kept at −20° C.: compounds of formulas I, II and III (0.1 M) in dimethyl sulphoxide (DMSO, Sigma-Aldrich); selegiline, moclobemide, iproniazid, resorufin, clorgiline, p-tyramine and horseradish peroxidase (0.1 M) in Milli-Q® water.

Due to photosensitivity of some of the substances being used (for example, Amplex® Red reagent), all experiments were performed in darkness. In any of the assays, neither Milli-Q® water nor the vehicle being used (DMSO) showed a significant pharmacological effect.

RESULTS

The compounds used for the present invention of the general formula I, II and III are selective inhibitors of MAO-B. Table XI show the IC₅₀ values in micromoles/L (μM) of the compounds detailed above (Id₂, Id₃, Id₄, Id₅, Id₁₁, Ia₁₅, Ia₂₅, IIc₂, IIc₃, IIc₄, IIc₅, IIc₁₁, IIIc₃, IIIc₅, IIIc₁₁).

TABLE XI IC₅₀ values of the studied compounds (including reference inhibitors) on enzymatic activity of human recombinant MAO isoforms and selectivity index for MAO-B ([IC₅₀ (MAO-A)]/[IC₅₀ (MAO-B)]). Compound IC₅₀ hMAO-A (μM) IC₅₀ hMAO-B (μM) S.I. Id₂ *** *** — Id₃ ** * — Id₄ ***  7.48 ± 0.34 13.4  Id₅ *** 38.57 ± 1.74  2.6 Id₁₁ *** 44.53 ± 2.00  2.2 Ia₁₅ ** 11.88 ± 0.53 >8.4^(b) Ia₂₅ ** 66.49 ± 4.43 >1.5^(b) IIc₂ ** 44.25 ± 2.95 >2.3^(b) IIc₃ ***  9.68 ± 0.65 10.3  IIc₄ **  6.71 ± 0.45 >15^(b )  IIc₅ ** *** — IIc₁₁ ** ** — IIIc₃ ** 33.96 ± 2.26 >2.9^(b) IIIc₅ ** 24.05 ± 1.60 >4.2^(b) IIIc₁₁ ** ** — Clorgiline 0.0052 ± 0.00092^(a) 63.41 ± 1.20     0.000082 Selegiline 68.73 ± 4.21^(a)   0.017 ± 0.0019   4.043 Iproniazid 6.56 ± 0.76   7.54 ± 0.36   0.87 Moclobemide 361.38 ± 19.37    *  <0.36^(b) Each IC₅₀ value is the mean ± mean standard deviation of 5 experiments (n = 5). ^(a)P < 0.01 with respect to the corresponding IC₅₀ value obtained against MAO-B, determined by ANOVA/Dunnett's test. ^(b)Value calculated considering as IC50 against MAO-A or MAO-B the highest concentration studied (100 μM or 1 mM). * Inactive at 1 mM (highest concentration studied) ** Inactive at 100 μM (highest concentration assayed). At higher concentrations the compound precipitates. *** At 100 μM inhibit enzymatic activity by 45-50%. At higher concentrations the compound precipitates. SI: Selectivity index hMAO-B = IC₅₀ (hMAO-A)/IC₅₀ (hMAO-B)

Most of the compounds of the general formula I, II and III detailed in the table are inactive against MAO-A and inhibit MAO-B with IC₅₀ values in the micromolar range.

IC₅₀ values of the compounds of the general formula I, II and III against MAO-B are comparable to those exhibited by some of the reference inhibitors used in the study, such as for example iproniazid (MAO-A/MAO-B dual inhibitor), but having higher MAO-B selectivity indexes.

The results obtained indicate that MAO-B activity and selectivity of the compounds of general formula I, II and III is more influenced by the type of amine present in the dithiocarbamate moiety than by the position and magnitude of the alkyl chain, and by the nature of the substituent in N of the pyridazinone ring.

Therefore, incorporating dithiocarbamate moieties to the pyridazinone ring into position 4, 5 or 6 through an alkyl chain of variable length, which results in the compounds of general formula I, II and III, provides selective MAO-B inhibitors the structure of which is highly novel for this type of activity, since no pyridazinone derivatives are known which act as selective inhibitors of MAO isoform B. 

1. A compound of formula (I), (II) or (III):

wherein, n is an integer number selected from 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8; R is selected from H, —C₁-C₆ alkyl, —C₁-C₆ carboxyalkyl, —C₁-C₆ haloalkyl, —C₆-C₁₂ aryl, —C₆-C₁₂ aralkyl or —C₄-C₁₂ heteroaryl; R¹ is selected from H, —C₁-C₆ alkyl or an halogen; R² is selected from H, —C₁-C₆ alkyl or an halogen; R³, R⁴ are independently selected from H, —C₁-C₆ alkyl, saturated —C₁-C₆ heterocycloalkyl, —C₆-C₁₂ aryl, —C₆-C₁₂ aralkyl or —C₄-C₁₂ heteroaryl; or R³ and R⁴ form a cycle selected from C₅-C₈ cycloalkyl, C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl, N-alkyl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl, N-aryl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl, N-cycloalkyl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl, N-aralkyl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl or N-acyl substituted C₅-C₈ heterocycloalkyl; and pharmaceutically acceptable salts thereof.
 2. The compound according to claim 1, wherein n is an integer number selected from 1, 2, or
 3. 3. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R is a group selected from methyl, phenyl or benzyl.
 4. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R¹ is a hydrogen atom.
 5. The compound according to claim 1, where R² is a hydrogen atom or a methyl group.
 6. The compound according to claim 1, wherein R³ and R⁴ form a group selected from the group consisting of:


7. The compound according to claim 1, selected from the group consisting of:


8. The pharmaceutical composition comprising a compound of formula (I), (II), or (III) according to claim 1, a pharmaceutically acceptable carrier and at least one pharmaceutically acceptable excipient.
 9. The pharmaceutical composition according to claim 8, comprising at least one additional therapeutic agent.
 10. A method for preventing and/or treating disorders derived from MAO-B hyperactivity, particularly degenerative disorders of the central nervous system comprising administering a compound of formula (I), (II) or (III) according to claim 1 to a mammal in need thereof.
 11. The method according to claim 10, wherein the disorder is Parkinson, Alzheimer, senile dementia or ataxia.
 12. A method for the synthesis of a compound of formula (I), (II) or (III) according to claim 1, comprising a stage as described in scheme 1, wherein 6(5) (4)-bromoalkyl-3 (2H)-pyridazinone of formula (IV), (IX) or (XIII), a secondary amine of formula V and carbon disulphide (CS₂) react in the presence of a base in a solvent at room temperature


13. The method according to claim 12, wherein the solvent is dimethylformamide (DMF) and the base is K₃PO₄. 